Letter from the President

Greetings from your President, Pat Ritchey '67

I have said in the past, my reason for getting involved in the Alumni Association is the award each year of the Alumni Scholarship to a deserving Lafayette graduating senior. Although, I must admit, I also enjoy the events we hold throughout the year. The bonus of being in our Association is meeting other graduates from varied walks of life and working closely with them.. People I would never have met and enjoyed if I was not a member.

As we have continued to get back to normal after Covid, we have had a really good time at our social events: our Annual Dinner last July at Spindletop was enhanced by Jay McCord’s (Class of 1986) motivational speech; David and Linda Bach were so kind by welcoming us and hosting our picnic at OutBack Farm; the music department entertained us at the Christmas Potluck; and at the Chili Supper we went down basketball memory lane with several past players sharing stories.

Normally, we do not acknowledge the passing of one of our graduates in our newsletter, however, Mary Ann Bach Burdette is an exception. Mary Ann, along with other farsighted graduates, started our Alumni Association in 1988 in preparation for the 50th anniversary celebration of Lafayette. Mary Ann was installed as the first President and was a very active member as long as she as able to participate in our events. She always had a smile on her face and I am sure she is smiling down at us now 35 years and 35 scholarships later. She will be missed.

My thanks go to all of the officers, committee chairs and members who have stepped up to help our Association thrive. Because of their efforts we are able to provide scholarships, select recipients of our Hall of Fame award and sponsor events throughout the year.

I encourage you to become involved, bring in new ideas and new members and help us build the Lafayette Alumni Association.

       LET’S KEEP THOSE GENERALS MARCHING! !